Have you ever heard an athlete complain, “I don’t get the respect I deserve”?  This person is unaware that respect is not a gift; it is something you must earn. We might admire him for his skill, or envy his million-dollar salary, but we respect the athlete for the attitude he or she exhibits on the field or court, during an interview, or in daily life.

What is that attitude that quickly wins respect? Humility—a modest view of one’s own importance!  An attitude of humility is one of the most significant predictors of someone who is respected.

Arrogance Is the Opposite of Humility

In order to adopt the habits and behavior patterns of humility, it’s important to recognize its evil nemesis—arrogance.  Very few things damage one’s reputation quicker than arrogance. Here are some common phrases people use that reveal a prideful, arrogant attitude:

• Geez, do I have to do everything around here?
• If I don’t toot my own horn, no one else will.
• Let me handle it. No one can do it better than me.

In themselves, these words may not seem so bad, but remember that arrogance is an attitude—a negative one. Individuals who say these kinds of things act in a way that sends a signal to those around them that they believe they are superior to everyone else.

For example, arrogant people often push others aside because they believe they are the only ones qualified to get things done the right way; they speak in ways that put down or disparage others; they take every opportunity to boast about their own accomplishments; and they project an obvious air of trying hard to appear cool.

Self-Confidence or Humility

You don’t have to sacrifice self-confidence to practice humility. When we start to talk about humility, one of the primary objections of driven people is the fear of not appearing confident enough. I will assure you that adopting an attitude of humility does not require you to sacrifice your self-confidence or the confidence you project.

To clarify this, let’s look at the definitions of both confidence and humility.

• Confidence is a self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one’s true abilities.

• Humility is having a modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance or rank.  It’s about being open to the possibility of improvement.

There’s no reason why these two character traits can’t coexist. In fact, when they do, it’s hard to find a more powerful combination. In Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t, author Jim Collins gives the example of David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, as a humble leader who offers this sage advice:

“You shouldn’t gloat about anything you’ve done; you ought to keep going and find something better to do.”

As co-founder of one of the most successful companies in the U.S., you can bet that Packard is a confident individual, but that doesn’t preclude him from practicing humility.

Admittedly, finding the right balance between confidence and humility can be tough—especially for entrepreneurs and people in sales whose livelihood depends on marketing themselves and relying on their accomplishments to obtain future business. In these instances, deciding what information to present and how to present it is paramount. The key is to do so without coming across as egotistical.

Tips for Communicating Both Confidence and Humility

• Let your prior record, actions, and associates speak for you.  Avoid what would sound like boasting about yourself or your accomplishments.

• Limit the times that you speak freely about yourself and your achievements to those occasions when you are communicating the value you bring to a personal or business relationship.

• Consider how you can communicate your message in a way that does not sound like bragging.

Practicing Humility Is a Lifelong Endeavor

By its very nature, humility is not an attitude we ever perfect. It’s a practiced trait that requires constant monitoring, especially since arrogance—egotism, superiority, conceit— is always tugging at our human nature.

Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore describes both the benefits and practice of humility well: “We come nearest to great when we are great in humility.”

If you desire to adopt or grow in your practice of humility, avoid speaking about yourself in a proud or conceited manner.  Share your accomplishments in a modest, positive way when requested or necessary.

When it is necessary, such as when you need to sell yourself or your services, remember to communicate your message in a way that remains focused on your client or customer and what you can do for them, not just on what you can do.

When you practice humility, you gain the respect of others. Respect brings with it a number of rewards such as more satisfying relationships, broader influence, and a number of employment-related benefits like raises, promotions, and increased sales.

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About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #44 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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It’s a Small World

I’m referring to risks where there is a lack of complete certainty and where several possible outcomes could exist—at least one of which is undesirable. For example:

• Leaving a secure position with an established company to accept a more lucrative job with a new start-up. Possible outcome: What if the business fails?

• Entering into a partnership with a new business associate. Possible outcome: What if the person turns out to have different values than you that cannot be reconciled?

• Investing a large sum of money in a new investment opportunity. Possible outcome: What if it goes bad and you lose it all.

Understanding the Role of Risk in Life

Most of society is divided largely into three groups of people:

1.  Those who are afraid to take risks, live a very conservative life, and retire not much better off than when they began.

2.  Those who take bad risks and suffer the consequences.

Sadly, the evidence of bad risks and the decisions that follow are all too common. I have had friends who were millionaires, and lost it all as a result of taking unnecessary risks. I also had a friend lose his life in a deep-water scuba diving accident. In his quest for the thrill, he risked a great deal and left behind a widow and two teenage daughters.

3.  Those who plan well, take calculated risks, and win.

If you desire to live a successful and fulfilling life and retire with enough money to enjoy your retirement years, you must take calculated risks. This includes risks in your relationships, risks in your career, and risks in your investments.

While taking smart calculated risks is vital to reaching your goals in life, remember that taking bad risks and losing can set you back, sometimes significantly. It may help, however, to remember that taking smart risks is as simple as making wise decisions.

A Framework for Good Decision-making

I’ve learned a lot in my life from observing others and through my personal experiences—both good and bad. Therefore, when I consider taking a risk in any area of my life, here are the questions I ask myself:

1.  What are the risks? Be honest. Don’t let your emotions prevent you from carefully considering all possible risks. This is where the landmines exist.

2. What are the odds of one of the risks coming true? Be truthful. Use real data whenever you can by doing research and talking to others.

3.  What are the rewards? Be realistic. Can you really quit your day job and devote ten hours a week to something and make $100,000 a year? (Probably not.)

4.  What are the odds of those rewards? Be sensible. Find out how many others have done something similar and how they have fared.

5.  What other options do I have? Be creative. Don’t limit yourself. Consider all possibilities.

6.  Do I need to make this decision today? Probably not. Take the time you need to do your research and explore your options.

After you finish answering these six questions, remove the emotions from your decision and ask what your gut is telling you. Also, never forget about the wild card risk; you don’t know what you don’t know!

Risk-taking Tips

• Start small. You don’t need to hit a grand slam your first time at bat. Aim for singles and only advance to the next base when you feel like the odds are in your favor. You can live an amazing life, travel the world, and retire financially secure if you just keep hitting singles.

• Don’t get greedy. This is a potential major problem in any area, but especially in the financial realm.  Some people never start building their net worth because all they ever engage in are risky ventures that don’t work.  Others save money for years, get tired of working, roll the dice with their savings, and hope to strike it big, only to lose it all.

• Be careful with partnerships. One of the ways I reduce risks in my life is by not giving up control. I seldom see a partnership work unless it begins with a well-established and familiar relationship.

The next time you find yourself making a decision that involves risk, I urge you to review this lesson. Print it out or save the podcast where you’ll remember it.

If you take your time and make good decisions using the advice in this lesson combined with your own life experiences, your odds of making good decisions the next time you are faced with a risk will be dramatically improved.

Click here to visit the site and/or comment on this post.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #42 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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Pssst. Can you keep a secret?

In addition to ensuring that you don’t participate in matters that don’t concern you, it’s even more important to keep any confidence that you have been entrusted with by someone else. You can’t expect to advance personally or professionally if you betray the trust someone has placed in you.

Today’s lesson may prick your conscience; however, my hope is that you will see the immense value in learning the importance of keeping things confidential that should be private and secret.

The Link Between Trust and Confidentiality

When you earn the reputation of someone who can be relied on, you command the respect and trust of people around you and build deeper friendships. In business, trustworthy people are more likely to sell more products, built a larger customer base, receive more raises, and enjoy earlier promotions.

One of the most common, telltale signs of someone who cannot be trusted with confidential information is the person who is says, “So-and-so told me this in confidence, but I know you won’t say anything.”

While you may feel special that this person trusts you, what about the person whose information they promised not to divulge? Personally, I would think twice about sharing my own sensitive information with this person. In short, I would not trust someone who was telling me other people’s secrets.

Respecting and Keeping Confidences

Are you someone who can be trusted with private and confidential information?  To gauge your trustworthiness in this area, ask yourself how likely you would be to share any of the following:

1.  You are on a business trip and having some drinks after hours. A colleague overindulges and ends up passing out in the lobby after a series of pretty funny antics. Do you share this story back at the office?

2.  A partner decides to go his own way and leaves you hanging. You’ve been through a lot together and have plenty of information that could negatively influence his reputation. Do you leak this information?

3.  You and your spouse had a real blowout. Do you vent to your friends?

These situations are examples of implied confidentiality. In each case, no one is explicitly asked not to say anything, but clearly the right thing to do is to keep these things in confidence. There’s quite a bit at stake for the person at the center of each situation. Careers, reputations, and relationships could be irreparably damaged.

Here are a few tips when it comes to keeping confidences:

• Never share information that you have been asked to keep confidential.

• Use your judgment when it comes to matters of implied confidentiality.

• Keep things confidential that were intended to be confidential even if a relationship breaks down.

• Do not vent your private marital or relationship issues with your friends. This will cause them to view your spouse or significant other differently, probably negatively.

• When someone says, “I was asked to keep this in confidence, but I can share it with you,” let them know that you’d rather not be involved.

The next time you consider sharing information, be sure to ask yourself if there is a chance that the person who shared the information with you would like it kept confidential. If that is the case, don’t share it.

As in most matters, there are exceptions to keeping confidences, such as when someone’s health or well-being is at risk. Don’t take the oath of secrecy so far that you let someone continue to endanger themselves or someone else.

Are you willing to make a commitment to never share anything that should be kept confidential? It’s not an easy commitment, but remember that your decision to share or not to share will affect how others view you.

When you keep things confidential that should be confidential, you will gain the reputation as a person who can be trusted, and you will grow strong in character and value.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #42 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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My lesson today is on measurements; however, it’s about a different kind of measurement. It’s about the importance of measuring your performance.

Dr. H. James Harrington has been involved in quality and performance improvement projects since the 1950s. He summarizes well what this lesson is all about.  “Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement. If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.”

Who Measures?

It’s not a stretch to say that any team, organization, or person who wishes to perform better or accomplish more has meaningful points of measurement.

To clarify my point, consider if:

• Baseball players never knew their batting average
• Advertisers did not measure the number of people who responded to an ad
• Golfers did not keep track of their scores
• Online shopping sites did not track the conversion rate of website visitors to customers
• Students never knew the results of their tests
• Customer service centers did not measure how long customers were on hold
• Companies did not measure their sales

If they didn’t measure their performance, how would they know if they improved?

Why Measure?

Quite simply, what gets measured gets done. Think about it. The very nature of knowing that something is being monitored causes us to work harder and perform better. There’s actually proof of this—it’s called the Hawthorne Effect.

Coined in 1955 by Henry Landsberger, the Hawthorne Effect describes a form of reactivity on the part of people whereby they improve an aspect of behavior being measured simply in response to the fact that the measurement is taking place! Amazing, isn’t it!

When you measure your own performance, positive things happen:

• You are able to set goals and evaluate your progress.
• You always know exactly where you stand.
• You can identify key aspects you want to refine.
• You are able to see the results of your refinements.
• You can quickly and accurately trouble shoot your problems

I can tell you firsthand how absolutely critical it was to my success that I measured my results. Throughout my sales career, I measured things such as the number of calls I made, the number of calls that were answered, the number of appointments I set, the number of appointments that resulted in new clients, as well as the size of each sale. I measured everything I did in the entire sales process.

Doing so not only showed me how I was doing, it brought attention to the key elements of my performance and motivated me to strive harder to improve in each area.

Measuring and Improving

In order to develop or improve any area of your life, you need to do three things:

1.  You need to know your starting point. This is often referred to as your benchmark or baseline—the point from which all progress is measured.  If you wanted to lose weight, this would include your current weight and all your key body measurements.

2.  You need a goal. In the words of noted psychologist Arnold Glasgow, “In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” Without a clear idea of where you are headed and what you wish to accomplish, how will you know if you ever get there?

3.  You need to determine how you are going to measure your progress. If you wanted to reduce your spending and save money, it would be wise to carry a small notepad and write down everything thing you buy and the price you paid.

Develop an Action Plan

Whether in business, sports, school, or any area of life, you can’t improve what you don’t measure. When you track and measure your results each month, you will have new benchmarks that you can strive to improve upon the next month. If you focus on improving your results month after month, you will begin to see amazing changes take place in your performance and results.

Ready to get started?

1.  Identify the parts of your life that you want to improve.  Don’t blow off this simple assignment. This is a critical component to your success. Make a list of the things you want to improve.

2.  Document your starting point. If you want to increase your net worth, then subtract your liabilities from your assets and determine your starting point.

3.  Set your goals.  If you want to double your sales over the next 12 months, right down your target.

4.  Determine the key factors that will influence your success.  What are the activities that if done correctly will help you achieve your goals?  These are the things you will measure.

5.  Create a means of measuring your actions and your results. What will you use to document these results?

Remember: You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

As you measure your actions and results, continue to look for ways to make refinements.  This is all part of the process of striving for excellence to be the best at what you do!

When you begin to measure what you do and how well you do it, you will begin to see the refinements you can make.  As you strive to make small improvements day after day and week after week, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #42 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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These are examples of what I call the ticking time bomb.  When I hear people say these types of things, I cringe and want to say “WARNING”. When you know in advance that you are going to retaliate if someone does or says something again, you are in danger of exploding and damaging your reputation.

Consider this true story.

Brenda was a senior sales associate in the Customer Service Department at a busy retail store. She was having difficulty with a complicated return, so she called Doug, the manager on duty, and asked for assistance.

Doug was a young, new manager who had been getting pulled in every direction all day. He asked with an exasperated tone, “Okay, Brenda, what are you having trouble with?”

Brenda explained the problem and asked Doug to help her.

Doug curtly replied, “That’s your job, Brenda. You figure it out. You have to learn to deal with this kind of situation yourself.”

Brenda, who was already frustrated, exploded loudly in front of all the customers and her associates. “I know how to do my job, Doug! I’ve been here a lot longer than you, so don’t insult me!”

After Doug left, Brenda turned to her customer and said, “I hate it when he does that. He does it all the time. He thinks he knows everything but he doesn’t.”

The customer with the return item felt awkward, believing it was her fault for causing the scene; the other associates tried to act like they hadn’t heard the conversation; and Brenda now had a lot of explaining to do when her shift ended.

You guessed it; Brenda was a ticking time bomb. She had clearly been harboring some ill feelings toward the new manager from other encounters. When under pressure, she was unable to hold it in any longer and lost control of her emotions.

Damage Assessment

This story is just one example of the many damaging repercussions of “losing it.” It could happen anywhere—at home, in the workplace, or even on the tennis court.  My guess is we’ve all been there at one time or another.

Whether it’s a rare occurrence for you, or something you struggle with regularly, today’s lesson is about helping you make different decisions when you know you are about to lose it. When you feel this way, you benefit best by “putting a lid on it.”  Don’t do or say something you will regret later.

Even though Brenda may have felt justified in her anger, her outburst reflected poorly on her ability to remain calm under pressure. She inflicted hurt and embarrassment on her supervisor, and she failed to project the level of professionalism that her employer requires and expects. Consider the other potential consequences:

• Brenda must apologize if she wishes to repair the damage she has done.
• She now has a strained working relationship with Doug at best, and possibly an irreparably damaged one.
• She has lost the respect of her co-workers who now view her differently.
• She may lose her job or chance of promotion.

I’ve exploded at times in my own life. I know that I have damaged my reputation, not only in the eyes of the person who received the brunt of my anger, but also in the eyes of everyone who bore witness. Even worse, I have done it with my wife. Like many of the lessons I share on Little Things Matter, I learned this one the hard way.

Use Your Awareness to Make the Right Decision

The next time you feel the tension rising and you start to think you can’t handle any more of someone or something, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Pause to consider the damage you might cause to your job, reputation, or relationship if you don’t keep your emotions in check. Use this awareness to make sure you don’t say or do anything you will regret.

Warren Buffet— American investor, industrialist, and philanthropist—shares some of his wisdom in this quote: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”

When you find yourself getting upset, challenge yourself to find a way of handling your frustration in a way that makes you proud. One of the things my wife always says when she knows I am upset with someone is “speak in love.”  When I consider speaking in love to those who have angered me, it completely changes my attitude because I know it is the right thing to do.

Remember, when you choose to respond rather than react to a difficult situation, you demonstrate to others and yourself that you are in control of your emotions.

Click here to visit the site and/or comment on this post.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #44 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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When you are intentional about doing things that make others feel good, you create a special connection that accelerates new relationships and nurtures existing ones.

The Values of Making People Feel Good

Recently, I talked about habits we have that bug people and the damaging effect that can have on our reputations. However, doing things that make people feel good is quite the opposite. Not only does it brighten someone’s day, but it’s a positive reflection on you and enhances your reputation.

Let’s look at a couple areas in your life and see the results.

• In the workplace, making your co-workers feel good will enhance the work environment, making it more enjoyable; it will also increase your influence with them.

• In your business, making your clients and customers feel good will draw them closer to you; it will also increase your sales.

• In the home, it will bind your family members closer together, turning your house into a happy home.

Because I have seen the results of reciprocal goodwill in action, I am intentional in my own life about doing things that I know make people feel good.

Ten Ways to Improve People’s Lives

When you make people feel good, you enhance their self-image and give them energy, hope, and confidence. Below are ten simple ways you can make people feel good.

1. Encourage. What sunshine and rain do for flowers, encouragement does for humanity. Regardless of one’s position in life, everyone needs to hear words of encouragement.
“Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition.”    — Robert Cavett

2. Compliment Sincerely. You can compliment someone for a job well done or on an admirable characteristic you have noticed. If you can’t do it in person, don’t hesitate to use another means like a card, thoughtful email, or text message.

3. Praise Publicly. Boost someone’s confidence by commending their efforts in front of others, either verbally or in writing. You can also do this with people who serve you, such as a store clerk, waitress, or receptionist who has gone the extra mile to assist you.

4. Listen Thoughtfully. Focus on listening, not just hearing. When you are an attentive listener, people sense your care and concern and are comforted that their feelings and experiences are validated.

5. Serve Willingly. The next time you notice that a co-worker is under the gun and needs a hand, volunteer to help. Or offer to assist someone who has a task to do that they don’t want to do.  In doing so, you will help them see themselves as worthy of your efforts and attention.

6. Show Genuine Interest. Ask about something important to them and concentrate on what they have to say. Remembering and commenting on their hobbies, sports, vacations, or family at a later date will prove that you have a sincere interest in their lives.

7. Express Love Unselfishly.  Every person has a primary love language that dictates the ways they prefer to be loved. When we understand and love people the way they need to be loved (not just the way that satisfies our needs), it draws them closer to us and us to them. See a post from my wife Joy about this subject here.

8. Make a Friendly Call. It doesn’t have to be important or a special day, just call to let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them.  Asking how someone is doing is always appreciated.
“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.”   —William James

9. Give a Gift. It doesn’t need to be expensive. It can be a small bouquet of flowers or a card. In this department, it’s most definitely the thought that counts. Hallmark has captured the essence in their advertisement: You cared enough to send. . .”

10. Smile Often. A sincere smile never goes out of style; it can mean different things to different people. A smile can brighten people’s day in an instant, and they’ll appreciate that you made the effort to acknowledge them.

Starting today, I encourage you to start doing the things like those listed above that make people feel good. If you need some additional inspiration, be sure to read my post, 25 Unexpected Ways to Make Someone’s Day. If you have some suggestions of your own, please share them in the comment section below.

Taking the time to make others feel good may be one of the most gratifying things you do; you’ll experience great rewards when you are the one responsible for positive changes in someone’s overall demeanor and attitude.

Click here to visit the site and/or comment on this post.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #46 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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The Ripple Effect of a Smile

While the Internet now allows us to connect in new ways and stay connected regardless of where we are, the fundamental skills of building relationships remain unchanged.

Today’s lesson is an important reminder for all of us that the key to any long-term relationship is making sure that you give at least as much as you get.

The value of relationships

One of the most basic needs of humans is to have meaningful relationships with other people. Relationships connect us to each other in every aspect of our lives.

One of the greatest regrets many individuals express at the end of their lives is the lack of time they spent with their spouse, children, and special people. It’s time given to our loved ones and friends that fulfills us and brings meaning to our lives.

There are other benefits as well. Wholesome, long-term relationships bring happiness and health to our lives. Studies show that people with enriching relationships really do have more happiness and they experience less stress.

Long-term relationships require deposits

Enduring relationships are those that may last 5, 10, 15, or more years. Clearly, not every relationship falls into this category, but if you want to build a long-term relationship—one that feeds and sustains you in the different areas of your life—you will need to be deliberate about the time and attention you give.

For any relationship to last over a long period of time, it must be the kind where you offer value and meet the needs of the other person. I sometimes refer to this as making deposits into the relationship.

I like the way Anthony Robbins explains this concept.

“Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.”

You can make deposits to any relationship by starting to do the little things that show your interest and that you truly care. Here are just a few of the 101 things you can do:

• Send an email just to say hi without asking for anything.
• Call to see how a son or daughter performed in a recent activity.
• Send a card or email on a holiday or birthday to tell them you are thinking about them.
• Express appreciation through a thank-you note or phone call for something done for you.
• Help them in times of need.
• Encourage them when starting new things.
• Compliment them on the things they do well.
• Be a support during times of struggle and grief.

I try my best to make regular deposits into all my relationships. From listening to offering a helping hand when needed, I am intentional about putting more into the relationships I value than I ever plan to take out. Not only does this give me satisfaction from knowing that this is the right thing to do, it feels good and draws me closer them.

How to nurture your relationships

The best way to nurture your relationships is to contribute to each of them according to their needs and expectations. Take a few moments to ask yourself these questions:

• What are the specific needs and expectations of my employer, customer, or client?
• What are the needs and desires of my spouse or significant other?
• What do my friends need in their relationships with me?

To help you put this lesson into perspective, make a note of the five people closest to you. These should be people with whom you have or desire to have a lasting relationship. Include on your list at least one family member, one friend, and at least one person you work for or with whom you do business.

Next, ask yourself, What does ________ (someone’s name) need from a relationship with me and what can I do to provide it?

Remember that what you decide to deposit into each relationship should depend on that person’s specific needs.

When you start asking what you can do to improve your relationships with others—rather than asking what they can do for you—your relationships will bring you joy and satisfaction and brighten the lives of those you care about.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed #43 in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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The Ripple Effect of a Smile

My experience tells me that the most effective way to earn people’s respect is to consistently strive to excel at everything you do. When you give it your all, you will earn respect for your effort and for the person you become in the process. As people’s respect for you grows, your influence will grow accordingly. And when your influence develops, your value to the market place will increase.

Focus on Two Areas

If you have the desire to become an admired and respected leader, then there are two specific areas on which to focus your attention:

The first is to develop in the area of personal responsibility. Begin by identifying the little things that will allow you to perform your obligations at the highest level and then strive for excellence as you master them. Whether you want to be a great mom, a call center supervisor or the owner of your own successful business, the key is to push yourself to perform at the highest level you are capable of reaching.

The second is to improve yourself and grow as a person. Here are four recommendations:

• Become a student of personal growth and study the habits and characteristics of successful people. I attribute a great deal of my success to my commitment to personal development. There are many choices in the self-help marketplace but I prefer materials created from those who have actually been successful outside of their sales tool and speaking business. If you prefer learning by audio, I recommend Your Success Store.

• Subscribe to Success magazine. For less than $3 a month, you can learn fresh ideas and strategies from some of the most recognized and respected leaders in our country. My favorite part of the magazine is the CD insert containing leadership tips from these experts.

• Commit three to five minutes a day to either read or listen to my daily lessons. I suggest you download my daily podcasts and keep them in your itunes library for reference at any time. Repetition can have a powerful impact on learning. I have been teaching and coaching people for more than twenty years and I am convinced people learn more by listening than by reading. You can subscribe to my podcasts or download them by clicking the “Apple” icon in the upper right part of the Little Things Matter home page.

• Observe successful people, especially those who hold a position of leadership you aspire to achieve. Pay close attention to the little things: from their appearance to the way they interact and treat other people. I have learned a great deal in my life by observing other successful people.

As you begin implementing the little things you learn, stretch yourself to do your very best. Push yourself harder than you have ever pushed yourself before. Regardless of your age, education or background, if you will strive for excellence to be the very best at what you do, you will quickly see your influence begin to grow.

Let me challenge you to be type of leader you would respect, admire and want to follow. Great leaders aren’t born. They are slowly formed from the compounding effect of small daily improvements. Starting today, begin to view yourself as the leader you want to become. Then commit yourself to the daily process of constant and never-ending improvement.

Becoming a respected leader will open opportunities in your life that have never existed before. As you grow as a leader, one of the most rewarding and fulfilling benefits is the opportunity you will have to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

In every type of leadership position, the improvements you make in who you are and what you do, will have a positive impact on the people you are leading. So, when you do the little things to get better, everyone you lead will get better.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter.To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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Living Beyond Ourselves

There has never been a time in my life when I’ve noticed more people being irresponsible than I see today. It’s almost as if people feel that it’s acceptable not to do what is expected of them and that it’s the new standard in our society. The source of the problem is not what’s important. Rather I want to focus on the opportunities it presents for you.

If you will make a commitment to become a more responsible person, people’s respect will not just grow, but it will soar. Your relationships will become more meaningful and your career will advance to a new level.

Top Five Tips to Brand Yourself as Someone Who is Responsible

Here are my top five tips on becoming responsible:

Return e-mails—When people send e-mails; most of them are expecting a reply within 24 hours. For this reason, strive to return all your personal and business e-mails within 24 hours, even if it is simply to acknowledge the e-mails and let them know when they can expect to hear back from you. While there will be occasions when this is just not possible, make those times the exceptions and not the norm.

Return telephone calls—When people leave you messages; most of them are expecting a returned call within 24 hours. When you return your calls in a timely manner, people appreciate it and their respect for you will grow. If necessary, use travel time to return calls. Even if you aren’t being paid for your extra efforts today, your value to the market will grow and you will be paid for it the rest of your career.

When it is not possible to return people’s calls within 24 hours, send a short e-mail acknowledging their calls and provide a couple windows of time you are available to talk. Then proceed to schedule firm times to talk. If the subject of their messages is such where you can respond to by e-mail, then save time by responding by email.

Be on time—When you are late for appointments with people who value their time, you will have wasted one of their most valuable assets and there is a good chance they will view you as rude, irresponsible and disrespectful. If you are occasionally late for your appointments, take a couple minutes and read my lesson on the Importance of Being on Time.

Exceed expectations—Take pride in your work and if you are going to put your name on something make sure it is the absolute best you can do. Start striving for excellence in all that you do. The more you stretch yourself to be your very best, the more growth you will experience and the more success and fulfillment you will enjoy. Remember, you can’t grow and get better if you aren’t stretching yourself.

Do what you say you will do—From this day forward when you tell people you will do something, do it, even if you later regret having agreed to do it. I have followed through on many projects shaking my head wondering why I agreed to do something. When you follow through with your commitments, you build character and you will become wiser about the things you agree to in the future.

Being Responsible Improves Your Brand

Build a brand for yourself so that people know if you’re the one in charge, the task or the project will be done on time with excellence. I want to challenge you, to hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Go above and beyond what might be viewed as your job description or society’s expectations.

Always be accountable to somebody for completing an action, for successfully carrying out a duty, or for fulfilling a promise. A person who does as promised gains the reputation of being reliable. People want to associate with and give their business to someone whom they can count on.

Here’s a critical point that I can’t stress enough. You should not distinguish between your commitments to being responsible in your career and those in your personal life. What so many people don’t seem to comprehend is that how they are viewed outside the workplace is just as important as how they are viewed in the workplace.

And lastly, don’t offer excuses to justify why you can’t be responsible. We are all busy but it’s a matter of setting priorities. If being viewed, as a responsible person is important to you, then you will find the time to do what’s required to fulfill your basic responsibilities.

One of the best ways to earn a person’s respect is to consistently do what is expected of you. It will make you stand out from the crowd.

About the Author: Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 29 years and founder of Little Things Matter.To receive Todd’s daily lessons, subscribe here. All Todd’s lessons are also available on iTunes as downloadable podcasts. (Todd’s podcasts are listed in America’s top 100 podcasts.)

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